By Eamonn Ryan
From remote islands to township edge computing projects, modular data centres are opening new possibilities for digital infrastructure across Africa. Their ability to be factory-built, transported and rapidly commissioned is making them increasingly attractive in locations where conventional construction would be difficult or time-consuming.
The Maven Powercube stand.
© RACA Journal
Maven Powercube says demand for modular data centres continues to grow across the African continent. According to Russell Bartley, director: client services, the company has engaged with 14 major organisations across Africa over the past year.
These projects span renewable energy companies, telecommunications operators, mining businesses and government organisations. While its primary distribution network is based in South Africa, the company is expanding into East Africa through strategic partnerships.
One of Maven Powercube’s most challenging recent deployments was completed on the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena. The project involved designing, manufacturing and factory-testing seven modular data centre containers in the United Kingdom before shipping them via Cape Town to the island.
Once there, the units were transported up the side of a volcanic landscape before being commissioned to support critical telecommunications and space exploration infrastructure.
Bartley said the project demonstrated how modular construction enables high-performance digital infrastructure to be delivered even in locations where conventional data centre construction would be extremely difficult.
Looking ahead, the company sees considerable opportunities in Africa’s emerging edge computing market. At the 2025 Pan-African Data Centre Exhibition and Conference in Johannesburg, Maven Powercube highlighted its support for the development of the Africa Digital Spine and initiatives aimed at bringing computing capacity closer to users through distributed edge infrastructure.
By placing smaller data centres nearer to businesses and communities, these projects can reduce latency, improve digital services and strengthen connectivity as Africa’s digital economy continues to expand.
